Prediction of lines at polls raises concern

Published: Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 2, 2013 at 2:27 p.m.

Ruth Huneycutt, long-time director of the Davidson County Board of Elections, knows what she’s talking about when it comes to voting. So when Huneycutt warns voters could see longer lines due to changes in the law, that’s cause for concern. Voters quickly become impatient when they are forced to stand in line for a long period waiting to cast a ballot. It could even cause some to skip the process altogether.

The changes approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly and signed into law by GOP Gov. Pat McCrory offer a mixed bag. Much attention has gone toward the requirement for voters to show a photo ID, but many aspects of life require such action. Voter fraud hasn’t been a widespread problem in North Carolina, but showing ID should not cause significant delays. Eliminating same-day registration also isn’t a big deal. Of more concern is the reduction in early voting to one week. The process has been extremely popular in Davidson County, and reducing it will lead to longer lines on Election Day. Everyone wants fair elections, but the process also needs to be as voter-friendly as possible. The first test of the changes will come in the May 2014 primary, so voters need to be prepared to spend some extra time at the polls.

In an emergency, those in need expect a quick response. A new report reviewed Thursday by the Davidson County commissioners show up to a 20-minute response for first responders to some rural areas. Commissioners are beginning to explore options to address the problem, including building an additional base, adding employees and equipment or working with neighboring counties. While the desire to be cost-effective is understandable, commissioners and emergency administrators need to act as quickly as possible to take steps to reduce that response time. It can be the difference between life and death.

Another basic necessity is food, and the Davidson County Department of Senior Services needs help to provide nutritious meals to those in need. The department is seeking volunteers for a Home-Delivered Meals route in the Pilgrim area. Twelve clients have been on a waiting list for six months. It takes a certain type of volunteer to run a route, as he or she must have the time and resources to make it work. But those people exist in Davidson County, and if you meet the criteria, consider signing up.

It will be interesting to see how the demolition of the former Burlington Industries plant in Denton plays out. A company is tearing down many of the buildings on the property in hopes of landing a new tenant. The plant stands as a testimony to the county’s former manufacturing heyday, as it once employed almost 1,200 people. A new occupant wouldn’t employ near that number, but any thriving business would be welcome.

<p>Ruth Huneycutt, long-time director of the Davidson County Board of Elections, knows what she's talking about when it comes to voting. So when Huneycutt warns voters could see longer lines due to changes in the law, that's cause for concern. Voters quickly become impatient when they are forced to stand in line for a long period waiting to cast a ballot. It could even cause some to skip the process altogether.</p><p>The changes approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly and signed into law by GOP Gov. Pat McCrory offer a mixed bag. Much attention has gone toward the requirement for voters to show a photo ID, but many aspects of life require such action. Voter fraud hasn't been a widespread problem in North Carolina, but showing ID should not cause significant delays. Eliminating same-day registration also isn't a big deal. Of more concern is the reduction in early voting to one week. The process has been extremely popular in Davidson County, and reducing it will lead to longer lines on Election Day. Everyone wants fair elections, but the process also needs to be as voter-friendly as possible. The first test of the changes will come in the May 2014 primary, so voters need to be prepared to spend some extra time at the polls.</p><p>In an emergency, those in need expect a quick response. A new report reviewed Thursday by the Davidson County commissioners show up to a 20-minute response for first responders to some rural areas. Commissioners are beginning to explore options to address the problem, including building an additional base, adding employees and equipment or working with neighboring counties. While the desire to be cost-effective is understandable, commissioners and emergency administrators need to act as quickly as possible to take steps to reduce that response time. It can be the difference between life and death.</p><p>Another basic necessity is food, and the Davidson County Department of Senior Services needs help to provide nutritious meals to those in need. The department is seeking volunteers for a Home-Delivered Meals route in the Pilgrim area. Twelve clients have been on a waiting list for six months. It takes a certain type of volunteer to run a route, as he or she must have the time and resources to make it work. But those people exist in Davidson County, and if you meet the criteria, consider signing up.</p><p>It will be interesting to see how the demolition of the former Burlington Industries plant in Denton plays out. A company is tearing down many of the buildings on the property in hopes of landing a new tenant. The plant stands as a testimony to the county's former manufacturing heyday, as it once employed almost 1,200 people. A new occupant wouldn't employ near that number, but any thriving business would be welcome.</p>